Bill > HB1540

This bill, known as the Mississippi Search and Rescue Program Act, establishes a new program to coordinate and provide resources for search and rescue operations within Mississippi, whether in response to disasters or in cooperation with other states or the federal government. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), referred to as the "Agency," will be the lead state agency responsible for developing policies, providing assistance, and coordinating with other state departments like the State Fire Academy and the Department of Public Safety. The Director of MEMA will appoint a designee and necessary personnel to manage the program's administrative and operational needs, including urban search and rescue, planning, and logistics. To support these functions, the program will receive adequate funding for equipment, training facilities, and storage, which will be managed through a dedicated "Mississippi Search and Rescue Program Fund" created in the State Treasury, comprising various sources of revenue and not reverting to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year.

Government Affairs

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1540.xml